package with pilfer proof assembly

ABSTRACT

A product package and method for product packaging including an internal product container ( 14 ) having an external mating surface ( 118,326 ) and an external sleeve ( 12 ) configured to substantially enclose the product container ( 14 ) and having an opposing internal mating surface ( 112,347 ) and in which the package is assembled by sliding the product container ( 14 ) into the external sleeve ( 12 ) until the external mating surface ( 118,326 ) on the product container  14  and the internal mating surface ( 112,347 ) on the sleeve ( 12 ) matingly engage to lock the product container ( 14 ) in place within the external sleeve ( 12 ) to prevent pilferage of and tampering with the product.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisionalapplication 60/528,043, filed on Dec. 8, 2003. The entire disclosure ofthat prior filed application is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of productpackaging, and in particular to product containers having an internallocking mechanism and pilfer proof assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Product packaging serves a number of important functions, including:protecting the packaged product from damage, attractively displaying thepackaged product, preventing theft or tampering, and providing thepurchasing consumer easy post-purchase access. In addition, it isdesirable for a package to be as inexpensive as possible to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention fulfills the needs identified above by providingpackaging comprising a product container for protecting the product fromdamage and attractively displaying the product, retained within an outersleeve to prevent theft or tampering. The present invention includes aninterior product container having a mating surface on the exterior ofthe product container and an outer sleeve having a correspondingopposing mating surface on the interior of the outer sleeve for lockingthe outer sleeve in position around the product container to preventtheft or tampering.

In exemplary embodiments, the mating surfaces include panels, tabs,ribs, catches, abutments, edges, cutouts, apertures, and like elements,integral to or attached to either a card or tray, configured to connectwith similar complimentary elements associated with an outer sleeve, andreferred to herein as the mating surfaces.

An embodiment of the present invention comprises a tray with an engagingtab and a sleeve with a tray receiving area. At least one pre-formedtray, configured with a receiving cavity to receive and hold at leastone portable item, may be locked into the tray receiving area. An outersleeve configured to receive the tray into a tray receiving area hasdisposed along it a locking edge configured to engage a tab at a lockingposition. A tray may be fully or partially inserted within the voiddefined by the outer sleeve.

Another embodiment comprises a tray with a recess to receive a lockingtab and a sleeve with a locking tab. This tray has disposed along anedge an indention to receive a locking tab. The outer sleeve defines avoid configured to receive the tray, and has a locking tab to engage theindention in the tray.

Other embodiments of the present invention include improved components,such as a monolithically fabricated tray. Here, a tray may be fabricatedfrom any forming technique or process known to those skilled in the art,including but not limited to thermoforming, vacuum forming, andinjection molding. The tray comprises at least one recessed cavityconfigured to receive and hold a product. The tray may also be formed bytwo hinged halves to fully enclose the product.

In practice, the embodiments of the present invention are configured toresist access to an item by securing the item in a locking package. Amethod for resisting access to an item secured in an embodiment of thepresent invention comprises the following steps, presented in thefollowing order for the purposes of teaching and not limitation. Providea tray container with a means for engagement. Provide an outer sleevewith open ends to form an accessible void, and opposing mating surfacesto interlockingly secure the tray. Align the tray with the open end andorientate the corresponding opposing mating surfaces. Insert the cardfully into the void to cause the corresponding opposing mating surfacesto couple or connect. The tray may also have depressions that may befolded and oriented to fill the end of the void and prevent access tothe product.

Embodiments according to this invention offer at least the followingadvantages: lightness in weight, resistance to tampering, excellentdurability, ease of assembly, product protection, ease of storage, easeof disposal, the ability to present devices of different and unusualshapes, and excellent economy.

It is also contemplated that the present invention is not limited tospecific goods, but is applicable to a plethora of goods. Otheradvantages of the present invention will be apparent from the followingdescription, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a product package according to anaspect of the invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show front and rear views of the package shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show left and right side views, respectively, of thepackage shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show top and bottom views, respectively, of the packageshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a blank for fabricating a sleeve accordingto an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of the blank shown in FIG. 8, partiallyassembled into a sleeve.

FIG. 10 shows a plan view of the blank shown in FIG. 8, fully assembledinto a sleeve.

FIG. 11 shows an end view of the sleeve shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows a plan view of a blank for fabricating an internal trayaccording to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an internal tray, according to anaspect of the invention.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an alternative internal tray,according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an internal tray, according to anaspect of the invention.

FIG. 16 shows a plan view of a blank for fabricating an internal trayaccording to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 17 shows a plan view of a blank for fabricating a sleeve accordingto an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 18 shows a plan view of a blank for fabricating a sleeve accordingto an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 19 shows a shows a perspective view of an open internal productcontainer, according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a closed internal product container,according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the method of assembly of theinternal tray within the sleeve of one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merelyexemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various andalternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have notbeen described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the presentinvention. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but as a basisfor the claims and for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

Generally speaking, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplaryproduct package 10 according to the present invention. The package 10includes a tri-fold sleeve 12 having an upper opening at an upper endand lower opening at a distal end. The package 10 also includes amonolithic internal tray 14, which, as assembled and illustrated,comprises a combination of formed depressions 16 a-c and a productreceiving cavity 18. Generally describing the assembled product packagefrom the point of view of FIG. 1, the upper opening is partially-blockedby a first formed depression 16 a, the product (not shown) rests in thereceiving cavity 18, and the lower opening is substantially-blocked by acombined second depression 16 b and third depression 16 c matinglyfolded to form a rigid base.

Further and as will be described in detail, the sleeve 12 includes alocking tab, best shown in FIG. 8, and the tray 14 includes a lockingtab receiving channel, best shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Alternatively, andbest shown in FIG. 17, the sleeve includes a locking tab receivingchannel and, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the tray includes a lockingtab. Returning to FIG. 1, when assembled, the locking tab and receivingchannel matingly engage to prevent the fully inserted tray 14 from beingremoved from the sleeve 12. In practice, with the product resting in thereceiving cavity 18 of the assembled product package, the product isinaccessible without permanently destroying the sleeve 12 or tray 14.

In other words, in practice the product is attractively displayed but isinaccessible from the upper partially-blocked opening because of theopposing configuration of depression 16 a and receiving cavity 18, andis inaccessible from the lower substantially-blocked opening because ofthe matingly folded depressions 16 b and 16 c. For the benefit of thepurchasing consumer a perforated line 20, substantially the height ofthe sleeve 12, is provided so that after purchasing the packaged product10 the consumer may easily open the package and access the product.

In the illustrated embodiment, the package 10 cannot be resealed afterthe perforation 20 is breached. Accordingly, the breached perforationstands as evidence of tampering or theft of the product. It iscontemplated that the package may be designed to be opened andrefastened, with or without breaching a perforation. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that a means for opening the sleeve 12 may beprovided for the purpose of accessing the product, together with a meansfor closing the sleeve 12. By way of illustration and not limitation,the sleeve 12 may be opened or refastened with locking tabs, tape,Velcro®, string, buttons, bands, or other well-known approaches foropening and refastening lapped flaps.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the receiving cavity 18 is shaped to receivea product to be held in the package 10. For the reasons presented below,it will be appreciated that receiving cavity 18 may be fully modified toaccommodate any shaped product. In addition, the depressions 16 a-c asillustrated are half-oval shaped. It will likewise be appreciated thatdepressions 16 a-c may be freely modified to accommodate any shape thatprevents unauthorized access to the product from the upper or lowerends.

FIGS. 2-7 show additional views of the package 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIGS.2 and 3, respectively, illustrate the front and rear views of thepackage 10. In FIG. 2, depression 16 a is viewed from its concave sidewhile receiving cavity 18 is viewed from its convex side. In FIG. 3, theopposite hand is shown. FIGS. 4 and 5 show left and ride side views ofthe package 10, and better illustrate the concave/convex orientations ofdepression 16 a and cavity 18. FIG. 6 shows the partially-blocked upperopening formed by depression 16 a, while FIG. 7 shows thesubstantially-blocked lower base formed by mated depressions 16 b-c.

The operation of the locking mechanism and pilfer proof assembly willnow be described with respect to several exemplary embodiments and anexemplary fabrication technique, and it will be apparent that thedescribed container and fabrication technique may be modified withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention. FIG. 8 shows a plan view ofa blank 100 for forming a sleeve 12 according to one embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 17 shows a plan view of a blank 340 for forming a sleeve12 according to another embodiment of the invention. The thickness ofthe sheet is selected based on a number of factors, including price andstrength. The sheet should be thick enough to provide structuralsupport, but thin enough to allow the sheet to be flexed and folded, asdescribed herein.

The blank 100, 340 is die cut from a sheet of suitable material, such asPVC, APET, or PETG. By way of example and not limitation, theillustrated blank 100, 340 is 0.025″ thick PVC. Other materialsincluding paperboard may be used if desired, and textual or graphicmatter may be printed directly onto the blank using a high-speedprinting process.

With regard to choice of materials, the blank 100, 340 may comprisepaper, paperboard, cardboard, plastic, or combinations thereof. Wherethe blank 100, 340 comprises paperboard, bleached sulphate, solidunbleached sulphate, or clay-coated newsback are well-known designchoices. Typically the paperboard coating is a fluid blend of materials,such as coating clay, calcium carbonate, and/or titanium dioxide withstarch or adhesive smoothly applied to the traveling surface. Successivedensification and polishing finish the mineral-coated surface to asuperior, graphic-print surface. When the blank and/or tray is paper,fabrication techniques well known to those skilled in the art, includingvacuum forming, are contemplated. When the blank and/or tray is plastic,fabrication techniques well known to those skilled in the art, includingthermo-forming, injection molding, and the like, are contemplated.

Returning now to FIGS. 8 and 17, a series of score lines 102, 341 isfabricated into the blank 100, 340 to divide the blank into a number ofpanels and tabs. In addition, a perforated line 103, 342 is added inorder for the purchasing consumer to access the product. The blank 100,340 includes a first panel 104, 343, a second panel 106, 344, and athird panel 108, 345, which are folded and lapped to form the finishedsleeve 12. An attachment edge 110, 346 is defined by the outside edge ofthe third panel 108, 345, opposite the outside edge of the first panel104, 333.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 8 and 17, extending from the outside edgeof the first panel 104 is a single non-releasable locking tab 112.According to one aspect of the invention, the locking tab 112 isrectangular in shape. The locking tab 112 includes a first locking edge114 and a second locking edge 116 that, as described below, engage areceiving channel 118, best illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, anddescribed further below. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17, a tabsection 350 extends outward from the first panel 343. Disposed betweentab section 350 and the first panel, midway along the length of thesleeve, is a cutout 347 to function as a locking tab receiving channel.The cutout 347 is open to receive a locking tab 326, shown in FIGS. 15and 16, and the cutout has edges 348 and 349.

In fabricating a finished sleeve 12 from the blank 100, the locking tab112 is folded inward toward the interior of first panel 104.Alternatively, in fabricating a finished sleeve from blank 330, the tabsection 350 is folded inward toward the interior of the first panel 343,creating locking tab receiving channel 347 from the cutout. First panel104, 343 is then folded over second panel 106, 344. The partially foldedblank 100 is shown in FIG. 9. Third panel 108, 345 is then folded overfirst panel 104, 343. A suitable technique is employed to affix theattachment edge 110, 346 to the first panel 104, 343 along thecross-hatch regions 122. By way of illustration and not limitation, thecross-hatch regions 122 may be affixed by chemical, thermal, ormechanical bonding methods well known to those skilled in the art.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, it will be seen that the bondingof the attachment edge 110, 346 to the first panel 104, 343 creates asleeve 12 with openings at the left and right of the blank 100, 340. Asshown in FIG. 11, locking tab 112 is captured between first panel 104and second panel 106. Alternatively, the folded tab section 350 foldedagainst the first panel 343 will create a locking tab receiving channel347 between the first panel 343 and second panel 344. The void 124created by the folded panels 104, 344, 106, 344, and 108, 345 will befilled by internal tray 14, 325, as described in detail further below.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the internal tray14. FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of theinternal tray 325. In a preferred embodiment the internal tray 14, 325is a plastic thermoformed tray. More specifically, the tray includes areceiving cavity 18, 328, upper depression 16 a, 327 a, lowerdepressions 16 b-c, 327 b-c, and locking tab receiving channel 118.Alternatively, and best shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the tray may include alocking tab 326 in place of a locking tab receiving channel 118. As withthe sleeve blank 100, 330, the tray 14, 325 may be made of any suitablematerial.

With regard to an exemplary method of manufacturing, the tray 14, 325may begin as a blank 200, 330, best illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 16, usedin a thermoform moulding process. A score line 102, 332 is provided, anda length along one edge of the blank is removed to form a locking tabreceiving channel 118. Alternatively, one edge of the blank may be cutin at least one location along its length to form a locking tab 326. Ina preferred embodiment, the locking tab receiving channel 118, 347 is nolonger in length than is necessary to securely engage locking tab 112,326. Receiving channel 118 includes a first locking edge 202 and asecond locking edge 204. In practice, the locking edges 114, 116 of thelocking tab 112 matingly engage the locking edges 202, 204 of the tray14 when the tray 14 is fully inserted into the receiving void 124 of thesleeve 12. Alternatively, in practice locking edges 336, 334 of lockingtab 325 on the tray 325 matingly engage locking edges 348, 349 oflocking tab receiving channel 347 within the sleeve 340 when the tray325 is fully inserted into the receiving void 124 of the sleeve 340.

The blank 200, 330 is of sufficient size to receive the product to bepackaged, represented here by the shape 206, 338. It will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art that the receiving cavity 18, 328, bestshown in FIGS. 13 and 15, can be of any shape conceivable. Accordingly,shape 206, 328 is shown here is for purposes of illustration and notlimitation.

The thermoform moulding process creates, in the exemplary tray 14, 326,a receiving cavity 18, 328 and depressions 16 a-c, 327 a-c. Althoughonly one receiving cavity 18, 328 is shown, it is contemplated thatmultiple receiving cavities may be provided. In addition, although onlyone depression 16 a, 327 a is shown at one end, it is contemplated thattwo depressions may be provided at this end, thereby creating asubstantially-blocked end on both sides of the assembled product package10.

Alternative exemplary embodiments of both the sleeve 12 and tray 14, 325are contemplated. For example, with regard to the sleeve 12, rather thanutilizing a tri-fold blank 100, 340 it is contemplated to use a bi-foldblank to form a pillowed sleeve with internal lock. Conceptually, and inpractice, the bi-fold blank is identical to the tri-fold blank 100, 340except the bi-fold blank does not include the second panel 106, 344.Otherwise, the bi-fold blank is folded and attached in the same manneras described above, including the locking tab 112, or locking tabreceiving channel 347, and perforated line 103, 342.

With regard to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the tray 14,reference is now made to FIG. 14. Here the tray 300 includes a fullyencapsulating receiving cavity formed by mating cavity depressions 304and 306, mating upper depressions 310 and 312, mating lower depressions314 and 316, mating receiving channels 318 and 320, and score lines 322.When folded along score line 322, a fully encapsulating receiving cavityis formed that performs according to inventive concepts describedherein.

The assembly of the product package 10 will now be described. Withreference to FIG. 11, depending on the size of the finished sleeve 12,it would be possible for a worker to hold the sleeve 12 in one hand,using the thumb and fingers to apply pressure to the side edges 130. Theworker can then pop the sleeve 12 open, expanding the receiving void 124sufficiently to insert the internal tray 14. As described above inreference to the first embodiment illustrated by FIG. 8, first panel 104includes locking tab 112. As best illustrated by FIG. 11, after thepanels are folded the locking tab 112 extends inwardly to engage thereceiving channel 118. In the alternative embodiment illustrated by FIG.17, first panel 343 includes receiving channel 347 exposed inwardly toreceive the locking tab 326.

In the foregoing exemplary embodiments, the end of the tray 14, 325which comprises depression 16 a, 327 a is the leading end inserted intothe receiving void 124. If an alternative embodiment includes twodepressions 16 a-a′, 327 a-a′ identical to 16 b-c, 327 b-c, thendepression 16 a′, 327 a′ is folded along a score line such that thedepressions 16 a-a′, 327 a-a′ form a three-dimensional top identical tothe base best shown in FIG. 1, before inserting the tray into thereceiving void 124.

However, before inserting the internal tray 14, the worker would lookand confirm the tray 14 is oriented so that the receiving channel 118,347 is aligned with the locking tab 112, 326. When fully inserted, thereceiving channel 118, 347 engages the locking tab 112, 326 so both mustbe aligned to matingly engage. Prior to fully inserting the tray 14 intothe sleeve 12, the product is loaded into the receiving cavity 18.Depression 16 c, 327 c is folded along the score line 102 provided, suchthat depressions 16 b, 327 b, and 16 c, 327 c form the three-dimensionalbase best illustrated in FIG. 1.

Because of the resilience of the material used to fabricate the sleeve12 and locking tab 112, the locking tab has a tendency to fold andunfold slightly. The slight folding of the tab 112 is beneficial as thetray passes by the tab 112, pushing the tab 112 back against the firstpanel 104 or second panel 106. The slight unfolding of the tab 112 isbeneficial in ensuring a firm locking mechanism—when receiving channel118 is immediately adjacent to the tab 112, the tab 112 springs backfrom the panel 104, 106 to fill the void that is the receiving channel118. It will be clear to one skilled in the art that after the lockingtab 326 is folded is folded inwardly to allow the tray 325 to beinserted into the sleeve 12, the resilience of the locking tab 326causes the locking tab 326 to unfold slightly when it comes into contactwith the receiving channel 347, thereby likewise ensuring a firm lockingmechanism between said locking tab 326 and said receiving channel 347.

Completing the assembly of product package 10, as shown in FIG. 20, thebase formed by 16 b-c is fully inserted into the sleeve 12.Substantially simultaneous with the full insertion of the tray 14, 325into the sleeve 12, locking tab 112, 326 springs from its compressedposition to matingly engage receiving channel 118, 347. When engaged andas illustrated, the tab's first locking edge 336 abuts the locking tabreceiving channel's first locking edge 348 while the tab's secondlocking edge 334 abuts the locking tab receiving channel's secondlocking edge 349. With the respective locking edges 336, 348; 114, 202and 334, 349; 116, 204 abutting each other, the tray 14 and sleeve arefully engaged. It is contemplated, and easily understood, that becauseof the versatility of the present invention, when fully inserted andengaged the locking edges 114, 202; 116, 204; 336, 349; 334, 348; 114,204 and 116, 202 may abut to create the internal locking mechanism. Theabove described manual operations may also be performed by machine.

It will be understood that while the exemplary embodiment illustrates asingle locking tab 112 and a single receiving channel 118, multiplelocking tabs 112 and receiving channels 118 are contemplated, the numberand arrangement being merely a design choice.

The exemplary product package configuration of FIGS. 1-13 is ovalshaped. It is contemplated that the present invention is well suited forall package shapes including square, rectangular, circular, sextagonal,octagonal, and variations thereof. The product package configuration ismerely a design choice in response to the type and number of productscontained in the one or more receiving cavities.

The depressions 16 a-c, 327 a-c are hollow as illustrated, but as oneskilled in the art will understand, ribs may be provided within thedepression or enclosure to improve the structural integrity or relatedperformance characteristics of the product package 10. In addition, oneor more depressions 16 a-c, 327 a-c may be formed on the blank 100, 340rather than the blank 200, 330.

A further alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention is bestshown in FIGS. 18-20. A blank 400, best shown by FIG. 18, is used tocreate an asymmetrically shaped sleeve 12. As described in the aboveembodiments, the sleeve will be constructed from a thermoformed blank400, or other flexible or resilient material. Blank 400 includes scoredlines 401 and first panel 402, second panel 403, and third panel 404.Blank 400 will fold along 401 so that first panel 403 and second panel404 will form the front and back of the sleeve. One side 405 joining 403and 404 will be formed by the scored fold lines 401. A second side 406will be formed by the folds between first panel 403 and adhesive panel402. The sleeve will be fully closed by folding adhesive panel 402 ontothe edge of second panel 404. A perforation 407 along the length of theblank 400 will allow the consumer access to the product. Protrudingcavities 408 may be included to allow the consumer to view the productinside. Indentions 409 will be cut into blank 400 and will be disposedin sides 405, 406 to engage a locking mechanism.

A clamshell product container 455 is best shown in FIG. 19. As describedin the above embodiments, the container will be constructed from athermoformed blank. A number of recessed cavities 450 will be disposedalong the blank to fully enclose the product being packaged. As will beunderstood by one skilled in the art, there may be any number ofcavities 450 comprised of any shape required to enclose the product. Oneside 451 would function as the front of the container as another side452 would function as the rear of the container. The container may behinged 453 along its top edge. When folded along the hinge 453, side one451 and side two 452 will close with the cavities 450 aligned to fullyenclose the product. The resulting product container 455 will be narrowat the top hinge 453 but thicker toward the bottom to form a trapezoidalshape. Extending from side 451 and side 452 are two protruding tabs 454.When folded along the hinge 453, the protruding tabs 454 along side oneand the protruding tabs 454 along side two will align to form theportion of the locking mechanism on the product container. The two sideswill be closed together by adhesive or other means known by thoseskilled in the art as indicated in the above embodiments. The protrudingtabs 454 may be flexible or rigid, however, if the sleeve is rigid, thenthe protruding tabs 454 of the product container must be a resilientmaterial to be folded inwardly and then released to matingly engage theindentations 409 in the sleeve 12 during the assembly of the finalpackage.

Once assembly is accomplished, the final package will be best shown byFIG. 20. The sleeve 12 will be shaped so as to slide over the productcontainer 455 to a certain point where it may not progress further dueto the thickness at the bottom of the container 455. The lockingmechanism is engaged if the sleeve is flexible as the sleeve 12 movesover the protruding tabs 454 until they are matingly engaged with thenotches 409 cut into the sides 405, 406 of the sleeve 12. At that point,the flexible sleeve is expanded by the increased thickness of the lowerpart of the product container so that it cannot be flexed to slide theflexible sleeve back over the protruding tabs 454. Alternatively if thesleeve 12 is rigid or if the product container is not of increasingthickness, the protruding tabs 454 should be resilient and should befolded inwardly to allow the sleeve to pass over them until they arematingly engaged with the notches 409 cut into the sides 405, 406 of thesleeve 12, and the protruding tabs 454 spring back into a protrudingposition in the notches 409. Once the notches 409 are matingly engagedwith the protruding tabs 454, the only access to the product will bethrough the perforation 407 along the length of the sleeve 12.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations andmodifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of theinvention without departing substantially from the spirit and principlesof the invention. Further, it will be understood that variations,modifications, and enhancements can be made to the disclosed apparatusand methods without departing from the scope of the present invention asdefined in the following claims. All such modifications and variationsare intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosureand the present invention and protected by the following claims.

1. A product package, comprising: a product container having an externalmating surface; and an outer sleeve retaining said product container,said outer sleeve also including an internal opposing mating surfaceengaging said external mating surface of said product container, whereina portion of the outer sleeve provides a barrier preventing access tothe internal opposing mating surface.
 2. A product package as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said external mating surface is a tab and said internalopposing mating surface is a recess.
 3. A product package as claimed inclaim 2, wherein said tab is resilient.
 4. A product package as claimedin claim 2 wherein said outer sleeve is resilient.
 5. A product packageas claimed in claim 2, wherein said tab and said outer sleeve areresilient.
 6. A product package as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidexternal mating surface is a recess and said internal opposing matingsurface is a tab.
 7. A product package as claimed in claim 6, whereinsaid tab is resilient.
 8. A product package as claimed in claim 6,wherein said outer sleeve is resilient.
 9. A product package as claimedin claim 6, wherein said tab and said outer sleeve are resilient.
 10. Aproduct package, comprising: a product container having at least oneexternal tab; and a resilient outer sleeve retaining and substantiallyenclosing said product container, said resilient outer sleeve furtherincluding at least one corresponding tab receiving recess matinglyengaging said at least one external tab, wherein a portion of theresilient outer sleeve provides a barrier preventing access to the tabreceiving recess.
 11. A product package as claimed in claim 10, whereinsaid tab is resilient.
 12. A product package, comprising: a productcontainer having at least one resilient external tab; and an outersleeve retaining and substantially enclosing said product container,said outer sleeve further including at least one corresponding tabreceiving recess matingly engaging said at least one external tab,wherein a portion of the outer sleeve provides a barrier preventingaccess to the tab receiving recess.
 13. A product package as claimed inclaim 12 wherein said outer sleeve is resilient.
 14. A product package,comprising: a product container having at least one resilient externaltab; and an outer sleeve having at least one opening configured toenable said outer sleeve to slide over said product container to retainand substantially enclose said product container and having at least onecorresponding internal recess matingly engaged with said at least oneresilient external tab, wherein a portion of the outer sleeve provides abarrier preventing access to the internal recess.
 15. A product packageas claimed in claim 12 wherein said outer sleeve is resilient.
 16. Aproduct package, comprising: a product container having at least onerecess in its outer surface; and an outer sleeve having at least oneopening configured to enable said outer sleeve to slide over saidproduct container to retain and substantially enclose said productcontainer and having at least one corresponding resilient internal tabmatingly engaged with said at least one recess in the outer surface ofsaid product container, wherein a portion of the outer sleeve provides abarrier preventing access to the resilient internal tab.
 17. A productpackage as claimed in claim 16 wherein said outer sleeve is resilient.18. A method for packaging a product in a product container, comprisingthe following steps: placing the product in the product container havingat least one external mating surface; inserting the product containerinto a product packaging enclosure of a shape suitable for retaining andsubstantially enclosing said product container, said product packagingenclosure having at least one corresponding opposing mating surface; andengaging said at least one external mating surface and said at least onecorresponding opposing mating surface to lock the product container inposition within said product packaging enclosure, wherein a portion ofthe outer sleeve provides a barrier preventing access to the opposingmating surface.
 19. A method for packaging a product as claimed in claim18, wherein said external mating surface is a tab and said internalopposing mating surface is a recess, and said step of engaging said atleast one external mating surface and said at least one correspondingopposing mating surface to lock the enclosure in position includesinserting said tab into said recess.
 20. A method for packaging aproduct as claimed in claim 19, wherein said tab is resilient, and saidstep of inserting said product container into said product packagingenclosure includes deflecting said tab as the product container isinserted into the product packaging enclosure and allowing said tab tospring back upon insertion into said recess.
 21. A method for packaginga product as claimed in claim 19 wherein said outer sleeve is resilient,and said step of inserting said product container into said productpackaging enclosure includes deflecting said product packaging enclosureto pass over said tab as the product container is inserted into theproduct packaging enclosure and substantially restoring said productpackaging enclosure to its intended shape in order to enable said tab tolockingly engage said recess.
 22. A method for packaging a product asclaimed in claim 19, wherein said tab and said outer sleeve areresilient, and said step of inserting said product container into saidproduct packaging enclosure includes deflecting said tab and deflectingsaid product packaging enclosure as the product container is insertedinto the product packaging enclosure and allowing said tab to springback upon insertion into said recess and substantially restoring saidproduct packaging enclosure to its intended shape in order to enablesaid tab to lockingly engage said recess.
 23. A method for packaging aproduct claimed in claim 18, wherein said external mating surface is arecess and said internal opposing mating surface is a tab.
 24. A methodfor packaging a product as claimed in claim 23, wherein said tab isresilient, and said step of inserting said product container into saidproduct packaging enclosure includes deflecting said tab as the productcontainer is inserted into the product packaging enclosure and allowingsaid tab to spring back upon insertion into said recess.
 25. A methodfor packaging a product as claimed in claim 23, wherein said outersleeve is resilient, and said step of inserting said product containerinto said product packaging enclosure includes deflecting said tab anddeflecting said product packaging enclosure as the product container isinserted into the product packaging enclosure and allowing said tab tospring back upon insertion into said recess and substantially restoringsaid product packaging enclosure to its intended shape in order toenable said tab to lockingly engage said recess.
 26. A method forpackaging a product as claimed in claim 23, wherein said tab and saidouter sleeve are resilient, and said step of inserting said productcontainer into said product packaging enclosure includes deflecting saidtab and deflecting said product packaging enclosure as the productcontainer is inserted into the product packaging enclosure and allowingsaid tab to spring back upon insertion into said recess andsubstantially restoring said product packaging enclosure to its intendedshape in order to enable said tab to lockingly engage said recess.
 27. Aproduct packaging assembly to prevent product pilfering, comprising: amolded tray shaped to contain a specified product and having at leastone indentation disposed along at least one edge to function as part ofa locking mechanism; and a sleeve retaining said molded tray having atleast one extended tab disposed along an internal edge matinglyinterlocking with said at least one indention, wherein a portion of thesleeve provides a barrier preventing access to the extended tab.
 28. Theassembly as claimed in claim 27 wherein said molded tray has at leastone depression disposed along one end of the molded tray to preventaccess to the contents while said molded tray is locked within saidsleeve.
 29. The assembly as claimed in claim 27 wherein said molded trayis comprised of halves, each of which incorporates at least one shapedreceiving cavity in order to substantially surround the specificcontents when the halves are folded together.
 30. The assembly asclaimed in claim 27 wherein said external sleeve is formed by a singlepiece of material folded over itself and secured at the external edge.31. A packaging assembly to prevent product pilfering comprising: amolded tray shaped to contain a specified product and having at leastone tab disposed along an edge to function as part of a lockingmechanism; and a sleeve retaining said molded tray having at least onecorresponding indention disposed along an internal edge of said sleevematingly interlocking with said at least one tab, wherein a portion ofthe outer sleeve provides a barrier preventing access to theindentation.
 32. The assembly as claimed in claim 31 wherein said moldedtray has a plurality of shaped receiving cavities to hold specificcontents.
 33. The assembly as claimed in claim 31 wherein said moldedtray has at least one depression disposed along at least one end of themolded tray and at least one depression disposed along at least one endof the molded tray to prevent access to the contents while said moldedtray is locked within said sleeve.
 34. The assembly as claimed in claim31 wherein said molded tray is comprised of halves, each of whichincorporates at least one shaped receiving cavity in order tosubstantially surround the specific contents when the halves are foldedtogether.
 35. The assembly as claimed in claim 31 wherein said externalsleeve is formed by a single piece of material folded over and securedat the external edge.
 36. A packaging assembly to prevent productpilfering comprising: an outer sleeve of tapered shape configured sothat the openings of the sleeve are different sizes and containing atleast one notched internal edge; and a clamshell molded tray configuredto fully enclose a specific product and to be partially inserted withinsaid outer sleeve, said tray having at least one extended tab matinglyengaging with said at least one notched internal edge of said outersleeve, wherein a portion of the outer sleeve provides a barrierpreventing access to the notched internal edge.
 37. The assembly asclaimed in claim 36 wherein said outer sleeve is comprised of a singlepiece of material folded over and secured at the external edge.
 38. Aproduct package comprising a complementary locking mechanism, whereinthe package comprises a product container having a first part of acomplementary locking mechanism and an outer sleeve comprising a secondpart of a complementary locking mechanism such that the complementarylocking mechanism prevents the product container from being slidablymoved within the outer sleeve wherein a portion of the outer sleeveprovides a barrier to prevent access to the complementary lockingmechanism to prevent tampering with the complementary locking mechanism.39. A product package according to claim 38 wherein the outer sleeve isformed from a single unitary blank wherein the single unitary blankcomprises the second.
 40. A product package according to either ofclaims 38 or 39 where the first part of the complementary lockingmechanism is a recess.
 41. A product package according to either ofclaims 38 or 39 where the first part of the complementary lockingmechanism is a protrusion.
 42. A product package according to either ofclaims 38 or 39 where the second part of the complementary lockingmechanism is a recess.
 43. A product package according to either ofclaims 38 or 39 where the second part of the complementary lockingmechanism is a protrusion.